David Coulthard believes that while \u201cnothing lasts forever\u201d in Formula 1, Max Verstappen\u2019s relationship with Red Bull is built to endure whatever the future may bring.<\/p>\n
Verstappen has been a critic of the F1 2026 regulations while Red Bull has been a slow started under the new rules, with the two factors combining to fuel speculation the four-time world champion could look for a new challenge.<\/p>\n
Max Verstappen and Red Bull bond will endure, predicts David Coulthard<\/p>\n
Want more PlanetF1.com coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for news you can trust.<\/p>\n Verstappen has not been enjoying Formula 1 life during 2026. It remains to be seen how the regulatory tweaks, to debut in Miami<\/a>, will alter the four-time world champion\u2019s stance on this era of Formula 1.<\/p>\n It was after the Japanese Grand Prix that Verstappen gave his firmest indication yet of contemplating F1 life. He confirmed that he was weighing up leaving at the end of the season.<\/p>\n At the same time, the Verstappen to Mercedes chatter refuses to disappear, despite George Russell\u2019s recent affirmation that he will be with Mercedes next year.<\/p>\n Verstappen to McLaren is another suggestion cropping up in the rumour mill.<\/p>\n It was recently confirmed that Verstappen\u2019s long-serving race engineer, GianPiero Lambiase, will join McLaren in the future.<\/p>\n That huge move to come, and Verstappen\u2019s next steps, were discussed on the Up To Speed podcast.<\/p>\n Red Bull Racing\u2019s first driver, David Coulthard, does not foresee any scenario where the Verstappen and Red Bull relationship is completely severed.<\/p>\n Outside of Formula 1, Verstappen is highly active with his team in the world of GT Racing, using Red Bull-branded Mercedes GT3 machinery.<\/p>\n Coulthard said: \u201cI think the relationship between Max and Red Bull will endure.<\/p>\n \u201cWhether it\u2019s him racing for them in Formula 1 in the future\u2026 But I think the bond that\u2019s there between Austria and Max Verstappen and his family, is something that I don\u2019t expect to see him suddenly turn up as a Monster athlete.\u201d<\/p>\n But, as a driver of a rival Formula 1 team, perhaps, Coulthard teased.<\/p>\n Verstappen has made it clear that his vocal criticism of F1 2026 is due to a lack of enjoyment for this formula. But, it has been a struggle for Red Bull performance-wise too, with Verstappen scoring just 12 points across the first three rounds.<\/p>\n \u201cBut clearly,\u201d Coulthard continues, \u201cnothing lasts forever in this game, and Max is a competitive animal.<\/p>\n \u201cIf Red Bull are struggling longer term \u2013 when I say longer term, I mean longer term this year \u2013 to show signs that they\u2019re getting back towards winning ways in the future, then, of course, he\u2019s going to look at where his career is best served.\u201d<\/p>\n More on Max Verstappen from PlanetF1.com<\/p>\n Max Verstappen has a point about the latest F1 2026 rule changes<\/a><\/p>\n Max Verstappen praised by Christopher Haase after \u2018respectful\u2019 N\u00fcrburgring duel<\/a><\/p>\n To Coulthard\u2019s mind, Red Bull can look upon its F1 story as mission accomplished, with a combined 14 world titles won, regardless of what the future holds.<\/p>\n Coulthard, does, though, hope for a future Formula 1 which still features Verstappen on the grid.<\/p>\n \u201cMax is a racer. It\u2019s all down to him,\u201d Coulthard told ServusTV.<\/p>\n \u201cEven if Red Bull never wins another world championship, they\u2019ve achieved their goal.<\/p>\n \u201cIf he still feels the thrill, he\u2019ll stick with it. He\u2019s hungry for competition and isn\u2019t afraid to take on the challenge. He\u2019s above all that. I hope he stays. He\u2019s the benchmark; he\u2019s dominated the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n Verstappen is under Red Bull contract until the end of 2028, one which it is understood contains a performance-related exit route.<\/p>\n Want to be the first to know exclusive information from the F1 paddock? Join our broadcast channel on WhatsApp<\/a> to get the scoop on the latest developments from our team of accredited journalists.<\/p>\n You can also subscribe to the PlanetF1 YouTube channel<\/a> for exclusive features, hear from our paddock journalists with stories from the heart of Formula 1 and much more!<\/p>\n